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Q1. Discuss the Non-Cooperation Movement from its beginning till its withdrawal 1922. Write about its importance as a mass movement in India. (GS 1) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Discuss the recent initiatives taken to solve inter-state border issues with Nagaland. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. What are the reasons behind insurgent groups in North-eastern states of India? What are the recent initiatives taken by the government of India to address the issue of insurgency in the North-East. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q4. Give a brief account on the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme. (GS 5) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. What do you know about the hurricane Hilary. How does it form and briefly discuss how climate change is fueling the occurrence of hurricanes.(GS 1) (Answer in 250 words)
Q1. Discuss the recent initiatives taken by the government of Assam for the preservation and promotion of art and culture in the state. (GS V) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Discuss the factors that causes the global warming. Write its effects on agriculture. (GS 1) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. What is Project Nilgiri Thar? Write about the significance of this project. (GS 3) (Answer in 150 words)
Q4. Assam Government receive unveiled ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ for Rapid Urban Growth. Express your opinion in this regard? (GS 3) (Answer in 15 words)
Q5. Explain the issues related to “Doubling of Farmers Income (DFI)”. List out the government initiatives in this regard? (GS3) (Answer in 250 words)
Q1. Brief about India’s Policy over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Write about the challenges to peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Suggest some measures to improve the scenario in the region. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Write about the Elephant Corridor Report 2023. (GS III) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Discuss the need and significance of skill development among women in India. What measures have been taken by the government for the same? (GS III) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory”. (Mahatma Gandhi) Explain what the statement means to you in the present context. (GS IV) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. Explain India’s efforts to emerge as the leader of the global South. What are the challenges for India as a voice of the Global South? (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q1. Discuss the role, function and composition of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA). (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q2. What do you mean by ex situ and in situ conservation? Give examples. Which conservation initiative is more important according to you? Justify. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q3. Which parameters contribute towards determining Water Quality Index (WQI)? What could be the reason for poor WQI in some rivers in Assam? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q4. What is urban sprawl and what factors promote urban sprawl? What are environmental and socio-economic impacts of urban sprawl? Discuss citing an example of a city near you. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q5. On 13th December, 2022, the Assamese ‘Gamocha’ received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag from the GI Registry. Examine the significance of the GI Tag for the Assamese ‘Gamocha’. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q6. Do you agree with the view that fate of Assam economy is determined by its rural sector? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q7. “The story of Assam agriculture is a story of untapped potential.” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q8. In line with Bharat Mala of the Government of India, the Assam Government has taken up a project called Assam Mala. Discuss the role and outcome of the project in the development scenario of the State. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q9. Who was King Prithu? Explain the significance of his reign in the early medieval period of Assam history. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q10. A paradigm shift in public administration in Assam is on the anvil with the district positioned as the fulcrum of administration. Unlike the conventional way of functioning, what would be the changed role of the Deputy Commissioner in the new system? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q11. Discuss the link between Assam Budget (2023-24) and 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q12. What are the economic benefits of biodiversity? How can biodiversity conservation promote economic activities in a locality? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q13. What is Mission Life? How, through this mission, is it planned to address the climate change impacts? Briefly describe about four life actions you may take up to reduce your carbon footprint. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q14. What are ‘Panchamrit Strategies’ declared by India to climate change? What strategy our State should adopt to contribute towards achieving our country’s target of 500 GWof non-fossil fuel based energy capacity by 2030? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q15. What do you mean by vulnerability and resilience? Assam is among the top climate change vulnerable States in India. What could be the factors for high vulnerabilities in Assam? What measures are required to be taken up to build climate resilience to minimize climate change vulnerabilities? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q16. Discuss the outcome of the G-20 sessions in Assam as an opportunity to showcase .the tourism and cultural heritage of Assam and also to highlight the trade and investment potential before the international community. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q17. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 envisages a paradigm shift from a response and relief centric approach to a proactive and comprehensive approach covering all aspects of prevention, mitigation and preparedness in disaster management. In this regard, do you think Assam has been able to shift its focus as envisaged in the Act? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q18. Discuss the role of Maniram Dewan as an administrator, entrepreneur and patriot in the 19th century Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q19. How will the Sittwe Port at Myanmar built with grant assistance from India as part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) contribute to the multilateral economic ties between India, its North-East in particular, and its South-East Asian neighbours? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q20. “Naamghar is a community centre for holistic human capacity development.” What steps should be taken to strengthen its role to resolve the socio-economic issues in present-day Assam? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Q1. Critically examine the provisions of Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Write about the key takeaways from the recently concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting. (GS III) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Discuss the objectives and benefits of PM Vishwakarma scheme, which aims to support traditional craftspeople and artisans in India. (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q4. What do you know about Hamas? Write about the role of Hamas in the Israel- Palestine Conflict? Discuss the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on the World. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q5. Define trade deficit? Discuss the effects of trade deficit on the Indian market. (GS III) (Answer in 150 words)
Q1. Elucidate the challenges associated with ethanol blending in India. Suggest some measures to overcome these challenges.
Q2. What is Kallakkadal? What causes it and how is it distinct from Tsunami? (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Explain the factors that led to the emergence of the different insurgent groups in the North-East region and also suggest some measures to solve the problem. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. Write the advantages and disadvantages of e-governance.
Q5. Difference Between El Nino and La Nina. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina on global weather patterns. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Q1. Discuss the significance of mural paintings as a medium for cultural preservation and storytelling, and their role in fostering a sense of identity and heritage? (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Mention the benefits and importance of Geographical Indications (GI) Tag? Write about the items from Assam which received GI Tag. (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Discuss the issues and challenges associated with the border management system? Suggest some measures for effective border management in India. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. Discuss the Administrative reforms and Political Developments under the reign of Pratap Singha. (GS V) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. Explain the causes and effects of Groundwater depletion. What are the steps taken to control groundwater depletion? (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Ministry of Education releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022
The Ministry of Education, Government of India releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022. The Ministry has been conducting AISHE since 2011, covering all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country registered with AISHE collecting detailed information on different parameters such as student enrollment, teachers, infrastructural information, etc.
Key findings of the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22
Total enrollment in higher education increased from approximately 4.14 crore in the previous session to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, marking an increase of around 19 lakh students.
Female enrollment increased from 2.01 crore in 2020-21 to 2.07 crore in 2021-22. The increase in female enrollment from 2014-15 (1.57 crore) to 2021-22 (2.07 crore) accounts for around 50 lakh students.
In 2021-22, 57.2 lakh students were enrolled in the science stream, with female students outnumbering male students (29.8 lakh versus 27.4 lakh).
Female Ph.D. enrollment doubled from 0.48 lakh in 2014-15 to 0.99 lakh in 2021-22. The annual increase in female Ph.D. enrollment for the period 2014-15 to 2021-22 is 10.4%.
The enrollment of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students increased from 16.41 lakh in 2014-15 to 27.1 lakh in 2021-22, marking a 65.2% increase.
Total student enrollment in North East States increased from 9.36 lakh in 2014-15 to 12.02 lakh in 2021-22. Female enrollment in North East States (6.07 lakh) surpassed male enrollment (5.95 lakh) in 2021-22.
OBC student enrollment increased by 45% in 2021-22 (1.63 crore) compared to 2014-15 (1.13 crore). Minority student enrollment increased from 21.8 lakh in 2014-15 to 30.1 lakh in 2021-22, with female minority enrollment witnessing a 42.3% increase
The total number of Universities / University level institutions registered is 1,168, Colleges 45,473 and Standalone Institutions 12,002.
In all, 341 Universities/University level institutions have been established since 2014-15. 17 Universities (of which 14 are State Public Universities) and 4,470 Colleges are exclusively for women.
About All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE):
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual statistical exercise conducted by the Ministry of Education (formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development) in India.
It has been published since 2011 with the objective to portray the status of higher education in the country.
The survey covers all institutions providing higher education in the country.
Data is being collected on multiple parameters, such as teachers, student enrollment , programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure.
Indicators of educational development such as institution density, gross enrollment ratio, student-teacher ratio, gender parity index, per student expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
Laughing Gull Spotted for the First Time in India
The laughing gull, a migratory bird originating from North America, has been observed for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district of Kerala.
About Laughing gull
The laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is a species of bird belonging to the family Laridae.
It is a medium-sized gull with a distinctive appearance characterized by its black head, black legs, long drooping bill white body, and long wings.
The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter.
These birds are most commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, as well as the Caribbean and parts of Central America.
They are known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits.They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
E-Ink displays
An E-ink display is a screen that aims to replicate the experience of reading and writing on paper. They are used in e-readers like the Amazon Kindle.
About E Ink displays
The technology was originally developed in the 1990s at MIT and is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
The screens work by manipulating microcapsules filled with positively and negatively charged particles, creating text and images without the need for backlighting.
This makes them ideal for prolonged reading, as they reflect light like paper and consume minimal power.
They are being used at bus stop displays, walking direction signs, and some restaurants’ menu boards.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: E Ink displays excel in low power consumption, making them suitable for devices requiring extended battery life. They also minimize eye strain due to their paper-like visual experience, matte surface, and outdoor readability.
Disadvantages: E Ink displays have slower refresh rates compared to LCD and OLED screens, rendering them unsuitable for video or animation. They also have limitations regarding color and resolution and remain relatively expensive for larger sizes.
The PM inaugurates the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India at the Supreme Court auditorium in Delhi. He also launched citizen-centric information and technology initiatives that include Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0 and a new website of the Supreme Court.
About the Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India.
Article 124 of the Constitution states that “There shall be a Supreme Court of India.”
The Supreme Court came into existence on January 26, 1950, with the coming into force of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
It serves both as the final court of appeals and the final interpreter of the Constitution.
Its exclusive original jurisdiction extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other, or between two or more States, if and insofar as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact)on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
Article 32 of the Constitution gives extensive original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
Status Report of Snow Leopards in India
The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi.
The report was released as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, which is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India.
About Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program
The SPAI systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard habitat across the trans-Himalayan region, including UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the National Coordinator for this exercise that was carried out with the support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru and WWF-India.
The assessment was conducted from 2019 to 2023 using a meticulous two-step framework, including evaluating snow leopard spatial distribution and estimating snow leopard abundance using camera traps.
The first step involved evaluating Snow leopard spatial distribution, through an occupancy-based sampling approach in the potential distribution range. In the second step, Snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region.
Recommendations of the SPAI Program
The report emphasises the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC to focus on long-term population monitoring.
Consistent monitoring through periodic population estimation is proposed to ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards and to identify challenges, address threats, and formulate effective conservation strategies.
India Nominates ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25
The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition as the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.
This nomination comprises 12 components, each holding a unique place in history and culture. The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule.
About Maratha Military Landscapes
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra out of which only 12 forts are selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, of these eight forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
These are Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
In the Maratha Military Landscapes of India Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee fort are hill forts, Pratapgad is hill-forest fort, Panhala is hill-plateau fort, Vijaydurg is coastal fort whereas Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts.
Maratha Military Ideology
The origins of Maratha Military ideology can be traced back to the 17th century during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (circa 1670 CE).
This enduring legacy continued through subsequent rules, including the Peshwa rule until 1818 CE.
Nomination and Criteria
There are two categories of nomination- cultural and natural criteria, the Maratha Military landscapes is nominated in the category of cultural criteria.
There are six criteria (i to vi) for cultural sites and four criteria (vii to x) for natural sites for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is nominated under criterion (iii): To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that in living or which has disappeared,
criterion (iv): to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates significant stage(s) in human history and
Criterion (vi): To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
India’s UNESCO Heritage
At present in India there are 42 World Heritage sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, seven are natural sites whereas one is mixed site.
In Maharashtra there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural these are, Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) and western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012).
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021 is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra.
India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’
The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Exercise is conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024.
Participation and Representation:
The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces.
The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry).
Objectives
Aim of the Exercise is to train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
About Exercise Sada Tanseeq
The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain.
It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides.
The Exercise will involve Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering and Sniper Firing.
The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond.
It will act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)
PM YASASVI is a Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students.
The scheme aims to provide scholarships to students from various impoverished classes. The Scheme provides these students with the resources they need to become financially independent and continue their studies.
A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme.
About PM YASASVI
Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage.
Students who excel in their studies also get an opportunity of Scholarship to study in Top Class Schools and Colleges under the Scheme of ‘Top Class School Education’ and ‘Top Class College Education’.
Additionally, hostel facilities are provided for OBC students through a construction scheme.
Eligibility:
Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT)
Parents or guardians annual income is not more than Rs. 2.50 Lakhs.
Studying in a Top Class School in Class 9 or 11.
There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government Schools only. Benefit-The students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per annum
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students. : For students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Benefits-allowance from Rs.5000 to Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per category of course.
Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For meritorious students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. Benefits-Scholarship is awarded for tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12.
Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories. Benefits-by providing full financial support that include tuition fee,living expenses,books and stationaries etcs.
Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls -To provide hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education in the Govt. schools, universities, institutions and institutes located at a reasonable distance.
Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head Of Sixteenth Finance Commission
The Government of India has appointed Arvind Panagariya, a renowned trade economist and former Niti Aayog vice chairman, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
Major Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission:
Division of Tax Proceeds: Recommending the distribution of taxes between the Union Government and the States under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution. Includes the allocation of shares among the States from these tax proceeds.
Principles for Grants-in-Aid: Establishing principles governing grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India. Determines amounts to be provided to the States as grants-in-aid under Article 275 of the Constitution.
Enhancing State Funds for Local Bodies: Identifying measures to enhance the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement resources available to Panchayats and Municipalities. Based on recommendations made by the State’s own Finance Commission.
Evaluation of Disaster Management Financing: The Commission may review current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives. Examines funds created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and presents suitable recommendations for improvements or alterations.
About Finance Commission
The Finance Commission (FC) of India was established by the President in 1951 under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
Functions
Its primary role is to define and regulate the financial relations between the central government and the individual state governments.
The Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951, further outlines the qualifications, appointment, disqualification, term, eligibility, and powers of the Finance Commission.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission, made recommendations covering the period of six years commencing on April 1, 2020.
Composition:
Appointed every five years, the FC comprises a chairman and four other members.
The chairman of the commission is selected from among persons who have had experience in public affairs.
Four other members are selected from among persons who:
are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court;
or have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government;
or have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration;
or have special knowledge of economics
Padma Awards 2024
The President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one) for the year 2024.
Padma Awards 2024 List
The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.
About Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year.
The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
The Padma Awards are provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service.
The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order.
The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.
The award contain a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
The award does not amount to title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.
Padma Vibhushan 2024
Name FieldState/ Region
Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali Art Tamil Nadu
Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi Art Andhra Pradesh
Shri M Venkaiah Naidu Public Affairs Andhra Pradesh
Shri Bindeshwar Pathak Social Work Bihar
(Posthumous)
Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam Art Tamil Nadu
Padma Bhushan Awardees 2024
Name Field State/Country
Ms. M Fathima BeeviPublic AffairsKerala
Shri Hormusji N CamaLiterature & Education Maharashtra
Shri Kundan VyasLiterature & Education – JournalismMaharashtra
Padma Awards 2024
The Padma Shri Awards 2024 have been announced, honouring 110 distinguished individuals across various fields for their exceptional service.
Individual/s has been awarded with the Padma Shri Awards 2024from Assam
Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.
Sarbeswar Basumatary also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.
Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer
Sapinda Marriage
Delhi High Court recently rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits marriage between Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other.
About Sapinda Marriage
A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are related to each other within a certain degree of closeness.
Sapinda relationships for the purposes of the HMA are defined in Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act.
Under section 3(f)(ii) of the act, two persons are said to be sapindas of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them.
Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, on the mother’s side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who is within three generations of them in the line of ascent.
On the father’s side, the same prohibition applies to anyone within five generations of the individual.
Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages
The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) provides an exception to the prohibition against sapinda marriages.
This exception applies when the customs of each individual involved permit such marriages.
According to Section 3(a) of the HMA, a custom must be continuously and uniformly observed for an extended period to gain legitimacy.
For a custom to be valid, it must be certain, not unreasonable, and in line with public policy. Additionally, if the custom applies only to a specific family, it should not have been discontinued by that family.
Cabinet approves the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite
Union Cabinet approved the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects of Government PSUs and Private Sector with an outlay of Rs.8,500 crore towards incentive for coal gasification projects under three categories.
The cabinet has approved the scheme as follows:
Total outlay of Rs.8,500 crore will be provided as financial assistance for coal gasification projects under three categories.
Finance under 3 categories
In category I, Rs.4,050 crore provisioned for Government PSUs in which upto 3 projects will be supported by providing lump-sum grant of Rs.1,350 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
In category II, Rs.3,850 crore provisioned for private sector as well as Government PSUs in which lump-sum grant of Rs.1,000 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower provided for each project. At least one project will be bid out on tariff-based bidding process and its criteria will be designed in consultation with NITI Aayog.
In category III, Rs.600 crore provisioned for demonstration Projects (indigenous technology) and/or small-scale product-based Gasification Plants under which lump-sum grant of Rs.100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower, will be given to the selected entity who will have a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.
Project Veer Gatha
The third edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, a joint initiative of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education as part of Republic Day celebrations, has witnessed an overwhelming pan India response.
About Project Veer Gatha
Project Veer Gatha was initiated under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021 with the primary goal of raising awareness about the brave actions of Gallantry Awardees and sharing their life stories with students.
It aims to inspire patriotism and civic values among the youth.
It aims to disseminate the details of acts of bravery of the Gallantry Awardees and the life stories of these brave hearts among the students.
The order of precedence for Gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.
Q1. Our education system has helped us in acquiring skills but has failed us in inculcating values and ethics.” Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q2. Explain the concept of ‘Vasundhara Kutumbakam’. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q3. Describe the following terms with respect to the fundamental values of Civil Services : (Answer in 150 words) 2×5=10
Integrity
Impartiality
Objectivity
Empathy
Compassion towards weaker sections
Q4. Describe the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission for code of conduct. (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. It is said that our behaviour reflects our attitude. Do you agree? What are some of the ways by which our attitude gets shaped? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q6. Distinguish between personal and professional ethics. Do you think it is justified for a civil servant to be ethical in his/her professional life without being so in his/her personal life? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q7. *An effective public servant must be a good leader rather than a good boss.” Comment. What are the three most important leadership qualities that a public servant must possess? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q8. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi). Explain what the statement means to you in the present context. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q9. What are the principal measures taken by the government in recent years to bring transparency? Have these brought down corruption? Elucidate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q10. Government departments are are increasingly resorting to contractual employment or outsourcing activities. Do you think this is the right way to improve work culture in government departments and service delivery? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q11. Social media is a double-edged sword and must be used carefully by public servants Discuss the role of Emotional Intelligence in management of social media by public servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q12. What, in your opinion, has been the impact of rise of nuclear families on family as an institution for inculcating values? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q13 “A man with integrity refuses to be compromised.” Elaborate with reference to a real-life example. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Section-B
Q14. An activist files a petition in your office stating that there have been irregularities in choosing beneficiaries by your staff in office. You decide to initiate an enquiry and then come to know that the activist has taken money from your staff in office. The next day the activist again comes to your office with a petition to withdraw the previous petition. He argues that he received wrong information from the beneficiaries. You know that initiating an enquiry will damage the reputation of your office and also demoralise your office staff.
Now, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the various ethical dilemmas you are currently facing?
(b) List out the various options available to you in dealing with the situation.
(c) What option will you finally exercise? Justify.
(Answer in 250 words]
Q15. There are situations where a public servant faces dilemma between what is written in the law and what her empathy and compassion call for How should servant resolve this dilemma? What should she prioritise? Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 250 words) 20
Q16. You are posted as a Circle Officer of X Revenue Circle in Y district. There is a public complaint filed against one of your Lat Mondals for demanding bribe in a mutation case. The Deputy Commissioner orders you to enquire and submit a report. When you begin the enquiry, you get evidence that the Lat Mondal did in However, the Lat Mondal is connected to a senior officer in the government who starts pressurising you to give clean chit to the said Lat Mondal.
In this context, answer the following questions:
What the ethical dilemmas that you are facing?
What are the various actions you can take in this case?
Discuss the ethical implications of each action.
Which action will you finally choose and why?
(Answer in 250 words)
Q17. You are HOD of a government department. Mr. A is a very efficient employee in your office. He comes to office on time, leaves after everyone has left and never says no to any work you assign to him. One day, one woman by the name of Mrs. B comes to your office. She alleges that she is the first wife of Mr. A and that A has married a second time without informing her. She says that she does not want to complain against him, but needs your intervention in ensuring that A gives a monthly maintenance. Upon enquiry, you find that A has indeed married a second time without divorcing Mrs. B. A has also informed you that the marriage with Mrs. B broke down due to irreconcilable differences and that A had offered to give her maintenance which she refused. A has further stated that Mrs. B demanded a much higher maintenance-nearly half his salary-which A refused as he now has children from his second wife and also a home loan. You know that it is illegal for a government servant to marry second time without divorcing the first.
Now, answer the following questions:
What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you?
How would you tackle the above situation?
(Answer in 250 words)
Q18. What is the importance of discretion for a civil servant? Discuss some of the areas where you as a civil servant might have to exercise discretion. Do you think that discretion also increases the possibility of corruption? Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 20
Q19. “Corruption is more of a social problem than a legal problem.” In the light of recent incidents of officials apprehended for taking bribes, critically examine the above statement. Also, explain the steps taken by the government in recent years to reduce corruption: Do you think the Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act will help honest officials in discharging their duties? (Answer in 250 words) 20
